Yes, budget hotels in Los Angeles do exist. And with today’s economy, a cheap hotel in LA is a good hotel. These top picks offer some aspect of value, whether it’s a hidden find or a surprising number of amenities. Hotel rates range from a mere $40 to a moderate $170 — but whatever the price, they’re all bargain hotels. Start here on your search for the perfect Los Angeles budget hotel and save some money on your next trip to the city.
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640 S. Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
213.624.4545
Best For: Experienced travelers who like a bit of city adventure
Avg. Price: $60
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777 N. Vine St., Hollywood, CA, US, 90038
323.463.5671
Best For: Tourists on a mission to hit all the sights
Avg. Price: $90
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10330 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
310.553.1000
Best For: Leisure Couples, Corporate Travelers, Studio Execs, Families on Vacation
Avg. Price: $174-189
Located just minutes from Hollywood landmarks like Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Pantages and Madame Tussauds, the Hollywood Downtowner Inn has a complimentary continental breakfast to get your day started right. For night owls, nearby Thai Town offers numerous late night dining options. Downtown LA, Universal Studios Hollywood and other destinations await via the nearby Hollywood/Western Metro Station.
5601 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
323.464.7191
Best for: Urban adventurers on the go
Rates: from $79
Situated in the heart of Downtown, the Hollywood Inn Express South is a convenient place to stay for business or leisure. This motel is walking distance to the Los Angeles Convention Center, STAPLES Center and L.A. LIVE.
141 N. Alvarado St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
213.413.6699
Best For: Family vacationers and business travelers alike
Avg. Price: $60
It’s a dream for most travelers: waking up to the sound of the ocean, sun shining and just steps from the sand. Better yet, there are new people to meet and plenty to do. Hostelling International Santa Monica, which recently underwent a $2 million renovation, offers some of the best dormitory amenities around, including a café for breakfast, Internet access, luggage storage, TV and movie rooms and much more. The hostel often hosts performances such as yoga workshops and poetry readings, as well as live music. With Santa Monica at your fingertips, it’s a hard deal to pass up.
1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.393.9913
Best For: Student travelers and young singles
Avg. Price: $40
You might think all of LA’s hotels are by nature all looks and no character, but The Inn at 657 — a verifiable bed-and-breakfast in Los Angeles — offers a quaint atmosphere for those seeking a respite from the city. Most reviews of the inn call it a hidden gem, incredible considering it’s only a mile from the Los Angeles Convention Center. The remarkably reasonable prices include a generous breakfast, parking and access to their lush gardens.
657 W. 23rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90007
213.741.2200, 800.347.7512
Best For: Honeymooners and romantics
Avg. Price: $130
Located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles, the Ritz Milner Hotel has been restored to its original grandeur, featuring large suites, deluxe rooms, and many new single and double guest rooms. Its prime location is just a few blocks from the Los Angeles Convention Center, STAPLES Center, LA Fashion District, Financial District, and Jewelry District.
813 South Flower St., Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.627.6981
Best for: adventurous tourists, shopaholics and business travelers
Rates from $78
The Saharan Motor Hotel is located in the heart of Hollywood on famed Sunset Boulevard. Just minutes from the boutique-style Saharan, guests will find Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kodak Theater, Hollywood & Highland Center, the Hollywood Bowl, and Universal Studios.
7212 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90046
323.874.6700
Best for: Starstruck visitors on a budget
Rates from $95
Part boutique hotel and part hostel, Stay on Main offers hip lodgings at even hipper prices. The key here is variety: depending on budget and lifestyle, a stint at Stay can range from shared rooms to a kitschy and cute private room with plenty of design elements to enjoy. Critics have touted the hybrid hotel/hostel as the next generation of budget accommodations, and guests have widely praised its amenities (flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, DVD players on request). An edgy feel, online and personal interactivity and a spectrum of available room types all make the Stay experience unique to the individual traveler.
636 South Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
213.213.7829
Best For: Young travelers on a budget who don’t want to skimp
Avg. Price: $60
Many of the Vagabond’s guests stop in before leaving on cruises from the nearby Port of Los Angeles. With cruise ship luxury waiting for them, it’s hardly a problem staying in the hotel’s uncomplicated lodgings, which provide clean rooms and a location central to the area’s attractions — Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Ports o’ Call Village, the Korean Bell of Friendship and more.
215 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro, CA 90731
310.831.8911
Best For: Travelers who want to see the sights before their cruises
Avg. Price: $80
Situated right on the Venice Oceanfront Walk, this iconic hotel has long been part of the action. Step outside and you’ll find yourself watching jugglers, tattoo artists, musicians, preachers and more of the Venice crowd. Beyond that: the sand and ocean. Venice Beach Suites has only 28 rooms, so reserve well in advance. If you’re lucky enough to snag a reservation, you’ll have a chance to experience Venice at its best. Be sure to rent a bicycle, have lunch at the nearby café and enjoy the hotel’s vintage atmosphere.
1305 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Beach, CA 90291
888.877.7602
Best For: Families who like excitement…and a little weirdness.
Avg. Price: $170
Centrally located in the Wilshire Center business district, The Wilshire Hotel offers easy access to many of Southern California's major attractions, including Hollywood, Universal Studios, Downtown LA, NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE, STAPLES Center, the Wiltern Theater and Beverly Hills. Guests will find shopping, restaurants, and businesses all within walking distance of the hotel, and the Wilshire/Vermont Metro Station is conveniently located across the street. All rooms have floor to ceiling windows, many with views of the Hollywood Hills. Suites are located on each floor and are ideal for entertaining clients or for those traveling with family.
3515 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90010
213.381.7411
Best for: urbanites, business travelers and families
Rates: $103-$161

Stay on Main



